Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Beans, Marethyu, Priapus, Old man of the mountain, Mike God of Lore
The Celestial Inquisitor
Chapter 17: Aftermath of Balmorra
– Sarik –
Pulling out a slave collar, one of Floats' designs, I slap it on around the Jedi's neck. She hesitates, but doesn't fight me. Her fear for those that Kory has captured is clear to see. As my fingers brush against her soft, green skin, I pass on a plague to her.
The same one that Harkon tried to use on me. It was a bigger gift than he will ever know. His attempt to poison me has given me quite the tool to use against any Force users I fight. I hope he enjoyed that gift as it, along with a hundred other plagues, ravaged his body and mind.
"The choice isn't mine, Marshal. Tell your men to stand down, and I will take you to Darth Lachris to make your case in person. I will push for her to agree, and she is reasonable for a Sith, but I can promise nothing," I admit, and Cheketta simply nods.
"That's all I can expect," Cheketta agrees, well aware of his situation as he does as I ordered. His voice echoes through the base as he commands his men to throw down their arms and surrender. The resistance has lost, their final stronghold broken, and their leader in shackles.
A good day for the Empire.
– Darth Lachris – Later –
Sarik had handed them a truly glorious victory, and he had not been shy about sharing that glory with her.
As she listened to Cheketta's broadcasted confession, she smiled cruelly. Already, the effects were being felt across the Galaxy. Riots in the streets of Coruscant, the Republic pulling back from several other disputed planets of lesser importance. And Sarik had left him in her hands; she was the one bathed in glory from this humiliation.
"What are you going to do with the captured Republic troops?" Sarik asked, lounging in her office as they enjoyed their victory together.
"The worst thing I can… I'm going to release them back to the Republic. It's the cruellest thing I can do to the Republic. Cheketta is to be imprisoned for his crimes but treated with respect," Lachris laughed. The Balmorran resistance fighters had been arrested, but the Republic troops were being sent home with a slap on the wrist. "And yet, your apprentice's find may hurt the Republic even more than this humiliation. Already, Aeten II is planning to secede from the Republic. Diab Duin was their representative in this 'Rift Alliance', and they led him to a warzone and got him killed."
"I don't know that planet," Sarik admitted.
"They are the Republic's source of Stygium crystals, used for cloaking devices and lightsaber crystals. They, along with all members of this Rift Alliance, are dissatisfied with the Republic's failures and have formed this alliance to allow the Republic to fix its mistakes. Instead, their representative was killed because the Barsen'thor led him to a warzone and failed to protect him," Lachris said with a cruel smile. "The Republic has truly pushed the Treaty of Coruscant to its limits with this, and they know it. They are paying dearly for this gambit."
"And the other captives?" Sarik asked.
"Theran Cedrax has done work for us before, but his decision to join the Republic's efforts against us has placed him in a difficult position. He will be given to Darth Marr, his genius put to use in the defence of the Empire. Marr will keep an eye on him, and any treachery will be paid with blood," Lachris said, making Sarik nod easily. "He was most displeased to lose his pet computer, but Holiday's reprogramming has made her deathly loyal to you."
"Floats does good work," Sarik agreed, making her nod. The strange alien was truly impressive.
"Tobas Grell is the Senator of Sarkhai. They've only recently joined the Republic. Sarkhai is a wealthy planet, and he is well-placed within their royal family. This has damaged Sarkhai's eagerness for the Republic heavily, and already, they have approached the Empire to negotiate for his return. He came looking for a mentor for his daughter, Nadia, who was the first force-sensitive to be born on Sarkhai," Lachris explained. "I plan to have her become a Sith to keep her family and planet in line. She will agree to save her father; the Barsen'thor's defeat has broken her faith in the Jedi."
"Kory was impressed with her power, if not her control," Sarik agreed. "She seemed powerful, if untrained."
"You will be training her," Lachris said, making Sarik raise an eyebrow. "Don't look so surprised. I am not foolish enough to hoard the prizes. Nadia will become your third student."
"So be it," Sarik agreed easily, a smile on his lips. "And the Barsen'thor herself?"
"Also yours. If she escapes, it will be on you, but she is the spoils of your battle," Lachris confirmed. This relationship worked by them sharing the spoils, and while the Barsen'thor was the biggest trophy, she knew it would put a strain on their alliance if she took the Jedi Master for herself.
"My thanks," Sarik said wryly, well aware of what she was doing.
"Next, we have the representative of Manaan, Shuuru. This will devastate the Republic's access to Kolto. Imperial Intelligence and the Diplomatic Corps are on their way to collect him," Lachris continued, a savage smile on her lips. "Manaan has been leaning towards the Republic for a while. With this, we will be able to force them back into a position of true neutrality while leveraging heavy tolls on the Republic."
Manaan would not survive an attack, and one of their high-ranking officials had been found assisting the Balmorran Resistance. The Republic could not defend Manaan after this mess, and Manaan would know it. The poor fool was being sent to Darth Ravage, the leader of the Sphere of Expansion and Diplomacy.
"Next, the Twi'lek, Alauni," Lachris said teasingly, making Sarik roll his eyes. "She represents the planet Saleucami, a powerful economic powerhouse and major trading centre in the Outer Rim. They joined the Rift Alliance because Saleucami has lost faith in the Republic's ability to protect them, a fear that was proven right by their Senator's capture."
"I suppose I don't get to keep that one?" Sarik joked, making her laugh.
"We shall see. Her planet has disavowed any knowledge of her actions. They do not want the Empire's wrath for aiding the Balmorran Resistance, but negotiations are going slow," Lachris admitted. "You may yet get your double Twi'lek Senator sandwich."
Sarik snorted at that, but his lust for Twi'leks was rapidly becoming known. She'd heard that Darth Atroxa planned to seduce him to get what Lachris herself was benefiting from. Sarik was a rising star, a meteoric rise at that, soaring up the ranks and all those he trusted would rise with him.
"And the last one?" Sarik asked, making her frown.
"Augin Blaesus, the representative of Erigorm. Erigorm has recorded and administrated the Republic's finances for centuries, and losing them would be devastating… but there's something wrong with him," Lachris admitted, making Sarik raise an eyebrow. "He is, by all reports, a cowardly man and yet, while in captivity, he simply… changed. His fear vanished, and he has simply meditated since. He wished to speak with you."
"Then we had best not keep him waiting," Sarik agreed, making her smile as she sent the message to have him brought to them.
As they waited, she watched Sarik with a hungry look as he closed his eyes, clearly focused on the Force. His plan had led to the biggest blow to the Republic since the Sacking of Coruscant itself, and already, her power and influence had skyrocketed. Several fellow Darths had contacted her to kiss her ass and praise her deeds. Many knew Sarik was the mastermind, and she'd made sure to shower him in praise, but they would not kowtow before an Apprentice, so they came to her and Lord Zash.
Darth Marr had even contacted her. His words were simple. 'You have done well, Lachris.' It was the second compliment she'd ever gotten from her former Master.
Sarik, like his Master, lacked the ego of many Sith. He didn't care that people were passing the praise onto others, knowing that he was still benefiting from it himself.
"You will impregnate me before you leave Balmorra," Lachris ordered, breaking his meditation. For just a moment, he seemed surprised before he chuckled.
"I am at your command, Darth Lachris," Sarik teased, getting a smug smile from her.
The door opened, and Augin was led in as the Imperial troops quickly left.
"You demanded an audience with Sarik despite being a captive. Here he is," Lachris said, her aura menacing as Augin simply turned to her. Something was deeply off-putting about him, and he stared back with amused eyes.
Sarik's own eyes shot open, and in an instant, he knelt as Lachris stared in disbelief.
"I- Your Majesty, I did not expect to find you here," Sarik said, his tone steady but carrying a hint of fear.
"You are before your Emperor, Darth Lachris. Why are you still standing?" Augin asked, his tone heavy in the Force as her own eyes shot open.
"W-what?" Lachris asked.
"Kneel."
Her body reacted, knees crashing against the ground as the presence grew stronger.
"Did I interrupt your scheme, my Lord? Mara did not see a problem with my plans-" Sarik asked, clearly nervous as she realised the seriousness of the situation. This was no trick.
"You did not. My plans for the Rift Alliance may have been altered, but your actions have only hastened the Republic's demise. My Hand did not know of my control over this tool. He is one of my Children, someone implanted with a fraction of my power and set loose, never knowing that I hold sway over their minds," The Emperor said, his tone powerful and regal. It was not the blabbering of the cowardly Augin. "I could not control them so directly before. I learnt that from you and your mark."
Lachris felt her eyes widen at that, even as she kept her head bowed.
"I am glad to have aided your plans, my Lord. What should we do with Augin?" Sarik asked, and the Emperor paused.
"You will send him to Darth Ravage. He will be sent back to his home planet, and using this 'disaster' as his reasoning, he will push for Erigorm to leave the Republic," The Emperor commanded. "Once I leave him, he will remember nothing but what I want him to remember."
"I-it will be done, My Lord," Lachris swore, but the Emperor only briefly looked her way before his eyes snapped back to Sarik. Sarik seemed understandably nervous to have the direct attention of the Sith Emperor himself.
"Your actions have sent ripples through the very Force itself, Sarik. You have done your family proud," the Emperor said, making Sarik's head snap up. She knew his background: a slave who was found to be Force-sensitive and sent to Korriban. "Your family's enemies tried to crush your family, but the Force clearly favours you, Son of Kallig."
She didn't know that name, but the Emperor clearly did.
"Kallig? He was the rival of Tulak Hord, wasn't he?" Sarik finally asked, making the Emperor smirk.
"Your pet speaks often of Tulak, doesn't he? Tulak Hord feared Kallig and was the architect of Kallig's downfall and your family's fall from grace. How amusing that his favourite assassin now serves the new Lord Kallig while his family has been wiped from the face of the Galaxy," The Emperor explained, amusement clear on his face. "I plan to spread the word of your heritage, Sarik Kallig. Consider it a gift for the show you have put on."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sarik said quickly.
"This tool cannot hold my presence much longer, and I still have use for him. Lachris, see my will done," The Emperor commanded. "I shall be watching you, Sarik Kallig. Do not disappoint me."
In an instant, the presence was gone and Augin collapsed to the floor, alive but unconscious.
Lachris let out a breath she had not realised she had been holding, and Sarik was slow to rise.
"The Emperor's power is… impressive, to say the least," Sarik said, slumping into the seat as she laughed.
"How did you teach the Emperor anything?" Lachris wondered, and Sarik didn't take offence at her words.
"When I place my Mark on one of my servants, it gives me some influence over their minds, the ability to watch through their senses, and helps me cloak them from the Force. I placed it upon Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand, at her request. I felt the connection the Emperor had with her when I did so, leaving a… gap in the cloaking so he could continue to watch through her eyes," Sarik explained. "I've not used it to influence her, but I suspect the Emperor has been studying the connection and using it to improve his own control over these… Children of the Emperor."
Which implied that his Mark was advanced enough for someone like the Emperor to learn from it. Just how powerful was Sarik?
They sat in silence for a good minute, both contemplating the encounter they had just had. There were Sith Lords who had served the Empire for decades but had never had an audience with the Emperor. He may not have come in the flesh, but it was a rare honour indeed.
"We should get to work," Sarik finally said. "I haven't forgotten your order, but business first, I think."
"Indeed," Lachris agreed as they both rose. Grabbing his robe, she pulled him in for a rough kiss before she broke it. "Pleasure can wait, but not too long."
Sarik's smirk was matched with her own, the air tense with their passions, but he was right. The Emperor himself had spoken. They had work to do.
– Sarik –
100cp granted, 100cp total.
Feat Achieved: Survive an audience with the Emperor (200cp). 300cp total.
The Emperor is learning from me, and isn't that the most intimidating thing I've heard since this entire adventure began?
[Youmuu's Ghostblade] - 300cp, 0cp remaining.
An Ionian blade made famous by a half-ghost swordswoman, this blade sings as it slices through the air, the wind itself assisting the wielder's movement. By making a symbolic act of cutting the wielder's hesitation, the speed boost is temporarily increased to an incredible degree, allowing you to run short distances and attack in the blink of an eye, slipping around allies, terrain, and enemies with the ease of this blade's namesake. While the effect persists, you are surrounded by swirling cherry petals, which are only there to look cool.
A fine weapon, but I can already do most of that with Force Speed. It will make a good gift for Vette; it fits her style better anyway. It's too small for Khem. Plus, it's not like I'm going to replace my Lightsaber for anything short of a divine weapon.
Returning to my ship, I head to the cockpit first.
"Has Holiday been properly integrated?" I ask, getting Juno's attention.
"Yes, sir. Floats was able to install her onto the ship with ease. Already, we've seen an increase in efficiency across the board," Juno replies, saluting.
"Excellent. We're sticking around on Balmorra for a short while, so run the tests again until you are utterly sure that we won't have any issues," I order, making her nod sharply.
"Of course, sir," Juno agrees. "May I say, sir, it's an honour to be your pilot. I was unsure why Darth Marr reassigned me, but your actions have proven his faith in your well-placed. I look forward to serving you until you no longer have use for me."
"And you've proven a boon to my crew. Remind me to place my mark on you when things calm down. Now that I know it's safe, I plan to have everyone marked to protect them going forward. We're going to need it with the heat we're drawing," I laugh. "Has the Beholder Chamber caused any issues?"
"No, sir. Beyond confusing physics itself, existing in a space that simply cannot exist," Juno says, a small smile on her lips at my latest bullshit. "I tried it myself and was able to project my senses as your message suggested. I found it tiring when I tried to view things too far away, though Mara Jade reported no such issues and was even able to project her senses to another planet. She has not come out since you sent the message… I brought her dinner and she ate inside the chamber."
"Hmm, again, my Mark can help with the mental strain, and Mara has it," I say, rubbing my chin. "Thank you, Captain."
"Of course, sir," Juno agrees, saluting again as I leave her to her work. She really has been a star and keeps the ship running perfectly (even as Floats takes it apart and puts it back together). I love my floaty boy, but I'm glad Juno is making sure all the parts he installs work before we set off.
I pay Floats a visit to thank him for acquiring Holiday, and he happily trills and jiggles his tentacles. I don't ask what the parts scattered around the cargo bay he claimed as his room are for.
Juno was right, and Mara is hogging the Beholder Chamber. Apparently, she's using it to spy on Dromund Kaas. I don't want to do the mathematics to work out just how far away she's projecting her mind, but it is ridiculous. Several thousand light-years, at least. Likely closer to a dozen. I wonder if it's the Mark of Tzeentch or her connection with the Emperor which is allowing her to do that. It may well be both. We'll have to run some tests. She's looking through the Force itself, so her own considerable power in the Force could be helping.
Heading to meet with the person I returned for, I smile seeing her lounging on her bed.
"Hey, Master," Vette says, waving at me as she rises. Despite her casual words, I can see her nerves.
"Hello, Vette. Word of Retheus' betrayal has spread far and fast. You did everything that I asked and more," I say, pride on my face as she straightens up. She took off her collar for the mission, but now it is back around her neck. "You were magnificent, Vette."
"I told you I wouldn't let you down," Vette replies, her own pride obvious as I pull out the control for her collar and click the button. With a hiss, the lock disengages, and the collar falls to the ground. "You're really doing it?"
"I said I would free you, Vette. I am many things, but I'm rarely a liar. Not to my own people, anyway," I admit with a laugh. "You are a slave no longer. Jansa has finished her business on Tatooine and is inbound for Balmorra with your mother and sister. You can give them the news yourself. Your deeds have raised your family from the depths of slavery into a new life. Be proud."
"But I'm still yours, aren't I?" Vette asks, a sly grin on her lips.
"Do you wish to leave my service?" I ask, making her snort.
"I know a winning horse when I see one. Might as well ride you to the finish line," Vette teases, picking up her collar with a wide grin.
"Then yes, you are still mine. The first of my Hashashin," I agree.
"Well, you never forget your first," Vette jokes, making me laugh. "Thank you, Sarik. No, that feels weird. You're still my master, aren't you? I'm learning under you, just like Kory and Ki."
"True. Use whatever title you feel comfortable with. We both still have a long way to go," I agree. Despite her cavalier attitude and jokes, I can feel her joy through our bond and the loyalty she feels toward me. I am the best thing that has ever happened to her, rising to the heights of Nok Drayden in her mind and then surpassing him.
Calling on my power, I summon my new sword as she watches.
"A gift to celebrate your success. May it serve you well," I say, offering it to her, hilt first.
I can feel the power within the blade, and so can she as her eyes widen. It's longer than her preferred dagger but not too big for her to feel uncomfortable using it.
"Thank you, Master," Vette says, head bowed as I summon the Elven Boots as well.
"Oh, and these. They're boots made for stealth missions," I add. They're nice, but they aren't quite as good as the master-crafted blade. "Make sure you practice with your new weapon. It's longer than you're used to."
"I will, Master," Vette agrees, examining the blade with awed eyes. "So… we're fucking in celebration, right? I'm keeping the collar for… special occasions like this."
"You want me to shock you?" I ask, making her roll her eyes.
"Obviously," Vette admits with a slight blush. "Oh, don't give me that look. You Sith are way kinkier, and you're the one who brought lightning to the bedroom to begin with. Also, you can do that Force Choke thing, right? Actually, let's grab Taunt and Leontyne as well."
"You really are the second-best gift anyone ever gave me," I say, making her grin.
"...you put your lightsaber ahead of me, didn't you?" Vette asks, making me nod shamelessly.
"You'd understand if you had a lightsaber."
– Later –
As Taunt dresses me, I give Vette a grin as she lounges in the bed. Unlike Leontyne, she's remained mostly conscious even if she got the brunt of my attention, as seen by the semen staining her body and dripping from her abused holes.
Leontyne is out of it, face down, with my cum leaking from her ass and pussy. The Senator Slave is still scheming, but she fears that any disobedience would be her end. Taunt has been made into an example, and Leontyne doesn't want to be sent to the bottom of the slave totem pole by following her example.
Taunt has realised the severity of her mistake. She didn't trust Vette, and now, while Vette and her family are freed, Taunt remains a slave. Taunt also knows I'm leaving her to Vette to train, so she's very much becoming submissive toward Vette in the hopes of improving her situation. Meanwhile, Vette is enjoying being the one in charge. It's good training for when I truly begin my Hashashin order.
As I leave, I'm quickly greeted by my next meeting.
"You summoned me, Master?" Kory asks, making me smile.
"I did. Follow me," I say, leading her to her room. "I have a gift for you as a reward for your hard work."
"Master?" Kory asks, tilting her head before she feels something pushing through the bond we share.
[Mystic Eyes of Flame] loaned to Kory
"You have become quite the pyromaniac, Kory, and as such, this feels only fitting. You did well in capturing the Rift Alliance. You've proven my decision to keep you correct, and I'm proud of you," I say, stroking her hair as her eyes blaze with her new power.
"T-thank you, Master. I won't let you down," Kory swears, her words choked up and her devotion clear in her tone.
My power is rapidly giving me more powers than I can personally use. They're nice to have at my command, but it's logical to spread them amongst my most devout followers. Kory would never betray me; her ambition is to serve, and she loves me too much to turn on me.
As she turns to me, there's a certain kind of fire in her eyes, and I chuckle. I only just got out of Vette's grip, but needs must, I suppose.
Why did I bother getting dressed again?
– Next Day –
"Did the Hutts give you any problems?" I ask Jansa as she approaches. Her ship is close to mine, but I can already tell she's had some work done on it. Jansa just smirks for a moment, and even I feel a sliver of pity for the Hutts as she does so. Behind her, two blue Twi'lek are following obediently.
Diida, an older Twi'lek whose body has aged beyond her years from constant hard labour, and Tivva, dressed in a revealing dancer's outfit and makeup. Both wear their pasts on their faces, but as a pair that have lived their entire lives in slavery, running has clearly never occurred to them. Jansa didn't tell them about Vette.
"None. I'm now the proud owner of a series of mines on Tatooine. Whuddle the Hutt really should have read the contract better," Jansa says with a smirk. "He tried to kill me to clear up his failure, of course. Unfortunately for him, his men were already mine."
"You've been having fun," I laugh, making her grin.
"You own twenty-five percent of my new mines, by the way, since this would not have been possible without you… extending my leash. It's been most entertaining," Jansa admits. "Tivva, Diida, this is Sarik, my client and your new master."
The pair approach, both avoiding direct eye contact. They've had it rough, and their fear of me is clear.
"Thank you, Jansa. I'm going to place my mark upon you to connect us without the summoning. Afterwards, you are free to explore the galaxy at your own pace," I say, making her eyes widen. This was a test, and it was one she passed with ease. "I can't be everywhere, and having my agent be well-established will only help me in the long run, won't it? I already have another job for you, but it's far from time-sensitive."
I'm going to send her after the Rakghoul amulet on Jebble, since she can get the resources to establish the mining operation to dig it out.
"Indeed. Any businesses I establish or take over, I'll give you a quarter share. Fair?" Jansa asks, making me nod easily. It's free credits. Sure, her presence is going to suck for anyone who gets in her way, but that's not my problem. "Wonderful. You are a most valued client. If you'll excuse me, I have preparations to make and research to do. This galaxy is so wonderful."
Well, I'm glad she's excited.
"L-Lord Sith, may I ask a question?" Diida asks, her tone subdued and respectful.
"You may," I say easily, examining the older woman. I might need to Rune her just to stop her from falling over dead. She's been worked to the brink of death, and it shows. Tiiva is in better shape, but she's a pleasure slave, and she's supposed to look beautiful.
"Why us? Neither of us has ever met you before, and surely a great Sith like yourself has no use for an old woman or a dancer," Diida asks, making me chuckle.
"You're more or less right. In truth, I had Jansa buy you as a gift of sorts. Follow me," I order, turning and heading back into my ship as they hurry behind. Sending a mental order, it doesn't take long for Vette to rapidly approach us as we get inside, eyes wide as Tivva and Diida spot their final family member, gasping.
"Mom? Tivva? Oh fuck, you really did find them. I knew you would, but-" Vette babbles, making me chuckle.
"I don't lie to my people, Vette," I repeat. "Tivva, Diida. As you have realised, this is Vette, though I believe you knew her as Ce'na. She is a trusted subordinate of mine, and I promised to track you both as a reward for her hard work and dedication."
"S-subordinate, not slave?" Tivva asks, making me nod.
"She was a slave, once. Now, she's a free woman, as are you both," I say, pressing the button on the control Jansa gave me. Both their collars come free with the same hiss that Vette's gave off, the heavier collars crashing to the ground. "Vette, I have no desire to play witness to a family reunion. You can bring them up to speed."
"Of course, Ma- Sarik," Vette agrees, a beaming smile on her face. As I go to head further into the ship, she grabs me and pulls me in for a searing kiss, arms wrapped around my body for a moment. "Thank you, Sarik. Seriously."
"Yes, yes, I'm great, aren't I? Now, stop delaying and go reunite with your family," I tease, giving her a pat on the ass, nudging her toward her family. I won't deny I would enjoy a foursome with them all, but regardless of how this goes, freeing those two to get Vette's eternal loyalty is more than worth it.
She was willing to kill for me, but now? Vette would die for me, without question. Not that I plan to ever let her die, I don't like losing my followers and I've put too much work into her to let her be taken away from me.
Vette gives me an embarrassed grin, seeing that I caught onto her delaying tactics, but I just give her a wink and head on deeper into the ship. We're in a moment of calm, and the work that needs doing isn't the type I need to be involved in. Power and success aside, I'm still an Apprentice, and the logistics fall to Darth Lachris.
Feat Achieved: Reunite Vette with her family (100cp). 100cp total.
Ha. And with that, it has more than paid for itself.
[Gem Mine] - 100cp, 0cp remaining
A few shiny gems can go a long way. These basic mines are chock full of gems and crystals just waiting to be harvested. Some of the gems mined might even be slightly magical, having been infused with magic from the atmosphere. These mines will replenish each month.
Heading back into my castle, I immediately hop through the Torii gate into Taris with a grin. I had an idea, thanks to the Boundary Chamber, and I have some time to handle it.
"Master?" Ki asks, finding me looking around Olaris with a discerning eye. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon."
"I'm just coming back to make things a little more comfortable in preparation for my full return to Taris," I explain. "Here will do."
"Master?" Ki asks again, confused as I hold out my hand. I like my [Vampiric Castle] being in my pocket dimension, but it's a waste to have the [Estate] in there as well.
With a crash, the land I am aiming at is flattened as my mansion and the grounds are manifested into reality, making Ki shout in surprise, even drawing her blade.
"That will do," I say with a grin. If Zash is going to be living here, I'm not going to have her sleeping in a tent.
"How in the-" Ki starts, taking a deep breath. "You truly are a freak of nature, aren't you, Master?" Ki asks, making me grin.
"Are you complaining? Would you rather continue to sleep in the Governor's former office like a hobo?" I ask, making her pause. "As my Apprentice, you, of course, will be living in my estate."
"Point taken," Ki finally agrees, making me laugh. "What now, Master?"
"Now, I fuck you in every single bed in the mansion to see which one feels best," I say with a shrug. I want to give Vette some time, and I am not needed on Balmorra right now. Ki's eyes widen, her cheeks darkening, but she doesn't complain as I lead her inside.
– Later –
The Celestial Holocron is powerful indeed because my estate even has working plumbing.
Somehow.
Mysterious indeed.
I've also put down the [Gem Mine] on Taris to give the Cult something to do. They're all marked at this point, and I have been subtly encouraging their devotion to Ki, and by extension, me. They see no problems with mining gems for the rest of their lives if it pleases their mistress.
And Ki likes shiny things.
Returning to the castle, I head to the dungeons with a growing smile. Aayla is still on her Warpstone diet, but I've added less to today's meal. I want to see how bad the effects of Warpstone addiction can be, and she was certainly eager for her food.
Elara remains in her cell, but I can get to her later as I reach the most important cell of all.
Inside, bound so tightly that she can barely move, the Barsen'thor waits patiently. Despite her nudity, the grim surroundings, the collar around her neck and the illness weakening her connection to the Force, she remains serene as I enter. The chains are holding her in the air, face up with her arms and legs spread apart, tightly binding her. They're a part of the Castle itself; they won't obey anyone but me. One of the statue guardians the castle came with is stationed right outside her cell, and the other is at the Torii gate.
"You'll have to forgive the precautions. You're not the only Jedi here, but you're certainly the most dangerous," I admit, making her chuckle. It catches me off guard, though I don't show it.
"I wonder if that says more about me or the other Jedi? I can sense another, though I don't recognise her… signature. You defeated me easily enough, did you not?" Nyni asks, making me tilt my head in acknowledgement.
"It was a bad match-up. You had never fought anyone like me before," I admit.
"Is this the part where you defile me? What was it you said, ah yes, that it would be a powerful boost to your reputation to have the Barsen'thor as your little Jedi cumdump," Nyni says, her tone still calm. Held as she is, her legs are spread, and her pussy is on full display. There's nothing she could do to stop me from having my way with her, and she knows it.
"You're oddly calm about your situation," I say, making her smile softly.
"Would panic aid me? Do you hope that I will draw on my fear and become corrupted?" Nyni asks with a hint of amusement in her tone. "I am aware of the fate many female Jedi suffer when defeated by the Sith. May I ask you something?"
"You may, though we'll see if I answer," I agree.
"What has become of the Rift Alliance?" Nyni asks.
"Tai Cordan died in the fighting, and Diab Duin was slain by my apprentice. The others still live, as negotiations over their fates are still ongoing. I suspect most will be returned to their people, for a price, of course," I admit.
"Most?" Nyni asks, sensing there's more to my words.
"Nadia Grell is force-sensitive. She is to become a Sith, under my tutelage. It will keep her people in line," I explain, seeing no reason to lie. Nyni closes her eyes, deep in thought.
"You could have broken my connection to the Force. I felt it, when I surrendered. Your presence hovering over me, the pressure on my very connection to the Force itself. You almost did, which would have left me utterly broken, in body and spirit," Nyni says, and my eyes widen at that. Her sensitivity really is amazing. "Why did you spare me?"
"Because I didn't want to ruin such a thing of beauty," I admit, making her eyebrows rise. She looks down at her body, but after a moment, she looks back. Piercing green eyes stare into mine as he waits for me to continue. "Not your body, though I'll admit that it is also beautiful," I say, somewhat tauntingly as I slide my hand along her leg. "But your connection to the Force is amazing, I've never felt a connection so pure. To destroy that bond felt… wrong."
She doesn't respond, but I can see the thought behind those eyes as she never breaks eye contact.
"Or maybe I just liked the idea of my newest pet being a Jedi Master, not a broken little bird only useful for my pleasure," I continue, and again, she smiles in amusement.
"No, I think not. I truly wish we met in better circumstances, Sarik," Nyni admits. "I have an offer for you, Darth Sarik."
"I'm only an Apprentice, I'm afraid," I correct, watching her eyebrow rise. "I did just graduate from Korriban, after all. But, go on."
"Then I thank the Force that you are one of a kind. If every Sith that graduated that place were like you, we'd have lost long ago," Nyni compliments. "I cannot stop you from doing as you please with me. This is a simple fact: my life and body are in your hands."
"Are you going to ask for mercy?" I ask semi-teasingly as she chuckles.
"I suspect that would just make you enjoy the act more," Nyni retorts. "No. My offer is simple. I wish to teach Nadia alongside you. I failed the Rift Alliance, I failed the Jedi Council, but I do not believe Nadia could handle training to become a Sith. Let me teach her the way of the Jedi, alongside your own teachings, and in exchange, I serve you however you desire."
I pause at that, but once again… I sense her honesty. She truly means her words. No, there's more to it… she wants to redeem me. She sees a chance to bring me over to the Light. Nadia is the excuse, even if she does feel responsible for the younger girl, fearing what would become of Nadia without her help. It would be a competition. Can she bring me to the light before I can drag her into the darkness?
It would also make it easier for her to escape, however. She's powerful enough that I'd need to take more precautions than usual.
She's also an amazing healer as well, and having her at my beck and call could be very useful for my own experiments.
"You realise that you would be implanted with a bomb, like all slaves. There will be no escape, Nyni," I say, and she simply nods.
"You haven't done so already? How curious," Nyni says in response. This girl…
She is fascinating. I can sense her intentions somewhat, but she's still shrouded in mystery to me.
— Quest Section — VOTING CONCLUDED
Should Sarik accept Nyni's offer?
Yes, a willing Jedi Master will be more useful than a prisoner.
Test her sincerity first and order her to prove her words, but start small (sexual).
Test her sincerity first and order her to prove her words in a serious way (dark).
No, try to break her.
No, use her for his experiments.
Author's Note: The Beholder Chamber said unlimited reach. It's from a world that's one planet, not an entire galaxy. That said, unlimited is unlimited. I could have nerfed it, but this isn't that kind of fic.
Written:
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The Advance Chapters
Diamond: The Tamer Ch18, The Necromancer Ch08, The Celestial Farmer Ch03, The Unbound Ch05, The Supervillain Ch31
Plat: Slippery Slope Ch11, Guide to Freedom Ch15, The Celestial Professor Ch06, The Game Master Ch09, The Celestial Escalation Ch06
Gold: The Celestial Remnant Ch12, The Celestial Farmer Ch02, The Celestial Escalation Ch05
Basic: The Celestial Farmer Ch01, The Nightmare Ch15
Quest: The Celestial Inquisitor Ch18-22
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